I’ve Lost Everything, Now What?

I’ve Lost Everything, Now What?

The Polish poet, Anna Swir, wrote a poem about her father who was an artist. They were living in Warsaw during World War II. One night bombs were dropped and destroyed 40 years of his work. He did not give up. “Father started over from the beginning.”

Why and what you have lost in life is unique to you. You can begin to build your life here in the moment. Understanding how you got to where you are is useful. Deriding and blaming yourself will not be helpful. Opioid and alcoholism are common addictions that can cause you to lose everything.

It’s difficult to fathom how fast all you’ve worked for can vanish. Addiction can, and will do that. It may benefit you to learn the physiological effects drugs and alcohol have on one’s body. Addiction is harmful and can be fatal if not treated. You can get sober and clean, and slowly rebuild your life.

Often mental health and substance abuse co-occur. If you have a mental illness or are addicted, it’s best to find a therapist. If you don’t have enough money for their fee, don’t be afraid to ask if they offer pro bono work or a sliding scale. Another option for mental health issues is to call the NAMI Helpline. You can also call or go online to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). They have a hotline and information about support groups, low cost therapy, prevention and lots of useful information. Even if you aren’t religious, you can look for help through a church.

You can start rebuilding your life by changing your attitude from victim to survivor. Victims stay stuck, survivors take action. You’re going to have really hard days, and you’re going to have really good days ahead. There’s hope and help.

Begin a list of your priorities and make sure to put your mental health at the top. Your list could include: therapy, group substance abuse meeting, find someone to help with my resume, shop at second hand store for presentable interview clothes, start looking for a job, and so forth. One important thing to remember is to go slow, expect disappointments, and don’t give up!

“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” Harriet Beecher Stowe

Infinity Malibu offers cutting edge treatment in the perfect setting. If addiction makes you feel you’ve lost everything, now is the time to make that critical and life-saving call 855-608-8495.